Late Charge Lifts Amity in SCC 1st Round

Thursday night's Southern Connecticut Conference boys' basketball first round playoff game allowed the Lions a strong shot at an upset. #8 seeded Amity played host to #9 Foran and the Lions led the game at the half but were doomed by a deciding fourth quarter. Amity pulled away a 57-45 victory behind a very solid final quarter.

The Spartans led 13-8 after the first quarter, but the Lions would charge back. Foran's James Richitelli popped a three-pointer early in the second quarter slimming the Spartans lead to 13-11. Seconds later, Richitelli struck again driving into traffic to lay it in. The basket tied the score at 13-13 with 5:45 remaining in the half.

Foran's climb back into contention was complete at halftime as the Lions held a narrow 21-20 lead at intermission.

In the third quarter Amity's Zac Campbell maneuvered inside for a basket plus the foul. His free throw brought the Spartans to within five points with just under five minutes remaining. At the quarter's end, Foran maintained a thin 41-38 advantage over the Spartans.

The fourth quarter belonged to Amity as the Lions shot just 1-for-14 from the field. Foran's Richitelli lead all scorers with 22 points, the Spartans were led by Campbell who had 14 points.

Foran will now wait for CIAC state competition to begin while the victory allows Amity to advance to the SCC quarterfinals where they will take on #1 seeded powerhouse Career-New Haven. The quarterfinals take place at East Haven High School on Saturday, Feb. 26 at noon.

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